Former UMass captain Kevin Czepiel has returned to his alma mater as the Director of Hockey Operations and will enter his first season on John Micheletto's staff in 2014-15.

"Kevin personifies Massachusetts hockey;" said Micheletto. "As a player and student here his work ethic, selflessness, attention to detail and leadership impacted our team. We are lucky to be able to add him to the staff as he will continue to positively influence our program and help propel UMass hockey to great things."

Czepiel, who served as captain as a senior in 2012-13, played four seasons with the Minutemen and totaled 26 points on seven goals and 19 assists over 128 career contests. He enjoyed his finest season in a UMass uniform in his final campaign, posting a career-high eight points (2g, 6a), while appearing in all 34 games in 2012-13.

Prior to his time with the Minutemen, Czepiel played for the New Jersey Hitmen (EJHL) during the 2008-09 season after graduating from Northfield Mount Hermon High School in 2007 where he played four seasons and served as captain as a senior.

Czepiel graduated from UMass in 2013 with a degree in Finance & Operations Management. He is currently working towards his master's degree in Sport Management from the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management.